How to Become a Cybercrime Agent:
The Definitive Guide

What is a Cybercrime Agent?

Though a cybercrime agent may go by many different names, computer forensic investigators, specialists or what have you, they all do the same thing.

These intelligent computer wizards are tasked with the job of uncovering and describing information found on computer systems, hard drives, CDs, and other digital storage devices.

People in this field can find work in organizations like the government, accounting firms, banks, software companies, law firms, the list goes on.

Due to the nature of the field, there is quite a lot that goes into becoming a cybercrime agent.

You’ll need to earn a Bachelor’s degree and become certified before you can get a job.

Duties

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Salary

The average salary for a cybercrime agent in the United States as of 2019 is around $60,000 a year.

The range for this career can typically fall between roughly $56,000 and $66,000.

Depending on the amount of education you’ve completed, if you have any specializations or certifications, and how long you’ve worked in the business, you may see a difference in your salary.

Those individuals that have worked longer in the career and have special certifications will likely make more money than a person just started out in the career.

Another major component of the difference in pay grade is the community in which you work.

Those that work in larger communities will likely make more money than those that work in smaller communities.

• Annually
• Monthly
• Hourly

*Salary information based on the May 2021 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey.
Conducted by: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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How to Become a Cybercrime Agent

Step 1Earn Your Bachelors Degree

In order to become a cybercrime agent, you will have to obtain your Bachelor’s degree.

Although you don’t necessarily have to have a degree in a specific area, some of the majors you should consider are criminal justice, computer science, or cybersecurity.

Even before you get to college, you should start thinking about what types of classes you’ll need to take in high school to help you along your path.

Some classes you may want to consider are:

• Foreign language
• Computers and technology
• Science classes

Each of these different subjects will give you certain skills that you’ll need for the job of a cybercrime agent.

Foreign language classes can help you learn what people in other countries may be doing to put you or your employer at risk.

Computers and technology classes will teach you the basics for the job, and science classes explain how different information can be used to collect data that is required.

Step 2Become an Intern

After you graduated from college with a Bachelors’s degree, you’re going to want to start an internship.

This is something that you may even be able to do while you are still in school.

Many government agencies offer internships, so if you are looking for something in that sector, you’ll want to contact your local government.

The FBI has a volunteer program and an internship where you can make money.

The Secret Service also has a volunteer program.

Aside from government agencies, you may be able to contact local banks, law firms, or software companies to see if they can help you with an internship.

An internship is used to gain experience and education in an everyday job.

Step 3Gain Experience

You are going to gain quite a lot of experience while working as an intern.

This doesn’t mean that you are going to walk right into a job and know everything that is needed to do the job right.

Some of the areas that you are going to want to gain experience in are accounting, computer science, finance, and information technology.

Having a broad range of knowledge can lead you to many different job opportunities.

Along with having the specialized experience, you are going to need around three years of work experience in order to become part of a special agent training program.

Step 4Special Agent Training

If you have always dreamed of being a member of the FBI, you may be able to get your chance.

The FBI has introduced a new agent training program.

Of course, there are extensive requirements to be selected for the program.

You’ll have to apply for the program, pass several written and verbal tests.

If you’re accepted into the program, you’ll have to train for 21 weeks before you can become a special agent.

Step 5Continue Your Education

Several different employers offer advanced courses and certifications in computer technology and other areas.

It may be wise to look into classes available through your employer.

Another great career path would be to return to school and obtain a Masters’s degree.

Having a Masters’s degree can help with job prospects as well.

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Education

It may seem that it takes a while to become a cybercrime agent, but getting a good education is the foundation of this career.

In order to begin your career as a cybercrime agent, you’ll want to gain a Bachelors’s degree in computer forensics or a similar major.

It’s even promising to begin your college career at a community college, where it is possible to earn an Associates’ degree in computer forensics, and then move on to a bigger university to earn a Bachelors.

Some of the courses that you can expect to take in this field are:

• Analysis of digital media
• Computer and network security
• Criminal evidence and investigation
• Criminal law and procedure
• Cybercrime
• Ethics
• Forensics

You’ll also gain hands-on experience in crime labs or other companies.

It is possible to become specialized in a specific area of cybercrime while in school, this can include:

• Child pornography and internet child exploitation
• Financial fraud
• Hacking

Being a cybercrime agent is one of those fields in which you will constantly want to educate yourself.

Technology is everywhere, and it’s becoming more common every day.

This means that there is going to be a point in time when you’ll need to further your education to keep up with the changes in the world.

You can take individual classes to brush up on new developments in the world.

Or, you can even obtain a Masters’s degree so that job prospects are even greater.

If you begin with an Associates’s degree, this can take you around two years to finish.

A Bachelors’s degree will take around four years, but you can also earn a minor in another field that could help with your future.

Depending on the further education or Masters’s degree program you may take, the length of the programs differs.

Video About The Career

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Certification

The growing need for cybersecurity means that there is a multitude of unique certifications you can obtain in order to further your career.

Certifications can be costly, as each one is around $350 to around $2,000, depending on which one you are interested in, and the amount of education that goes into it.

Let’s take a look at some of the different certifications that a cybercrime agent can receive:

• Certified ethical hacker- this certification is offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants. This certificate ensures that the owner has excessive knowledge about hacking practices.
• Certified Information Security Manager- This certificate is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association and explores the world of auditing and security.
• GSEC: SANS GIAC Security essentials- This certification is an entry-level credential that will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of security terminology
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner- This certification includes cryptology, malicious coding, analyzing and monitoring, as well as communications and networks
• Certified Information Systems Auditor- This certification is also given out by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association. With this certification, you can work on information systems that include implementation, acquisition, operations, development, auditing, and maintenance.

There are many more types of certifications that someone interested in a cybercrime agent career can access.

Each certification can offer you the opportunity for better job placement.

Keep in mind that you will need to become recertified after a specific number of years.

Each certification is different depending on new developments in the industry.

Certifications can be a great way to get your foot in the door, but the best thing you can do in this type of career is to gain as much experience as possible.

The more experience that you have to work on computers, the easier it will be for you to find employment.

However, certifications show that you are competent in the field and are serious about the occupation you are in.

Average Training Program Duration: 4+ Years

Many of the certifications that you will acquire as a cybercrime agent require you to take an exam to show your expertise.

Training programs can take from two weeks to a month, depending on what certification you are going for.

It’s also important to remember that you will need to become re-certified after a number of years.

That number varies depending on the certification that you receive, so you’ll want to inquire with the organization you are certified with.

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Popular Programs

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Job Outlook

The job outlook for a cybercrime agent as of 2019 looks incredible.

This career is expected to grow around 32 percent in the next ten years.

This is much faster than many other careers in the same field.

The use of technology to attack users has become much more prevalent.

Banks and financial institutions are using cybercrime agents to increase security, and this is something that will continue to grow as the years go on.

With the expansion of electronic medical records used in hospitals, patient privacy is a large concern.

This means that companies are going to hire people who can ensure the safety and security of their digital documents.

Employment Growth Projection: 33%

That's a higher than average projected growth of 47,100 jobs.

Cybercrime Agent: Interest Over Time

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Should you become a Cybercrime Agent?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a cybercrime agent?

Cybercrime agents work with certain companies using computer skills and special agent training to investigate cybercrimes and to make sure that their companies security is top-notch.

A cybercrime agent is someone who needs to be very knowledgeable about computers.

Not only do you need to understand computers, you must enjoy working on them as well.

As a cybercrime agent, you’ll work to secure your companies data.

You can work in fields like the government, FBI, in hospitals, doctor’s offices, as well as banks.

If you have a background in computer programming, security, database administration, malware analysis, digital forensics or ethical hacking you could be a great asset as a cybercrime agent.

Q. How much does a cybercrime agent make?

As of 2019 in the United States, a cybercrime agent can make around $60,000 a year on average.

If you are just starting out in your career as a cybercrime agent, you likely won’t make that much.

Those that start out with little experience can expect to make around $56,000.

People with more experience, certifications, and specializations can make up to $66,000 or more.

If you work in the government for the FBI, you will likely make more money than a cybercrime agent who works for a bank.

Check around your area and in jobs that you apply for to see the range of salary in your state.

Q. How much does it cost to become a cybercrime agent?

In order to become a cybercrime agent, you must obtain a Bachelors’s degree.

Typically, it costs upwards of $35,000 to acquire a degree.

Most colleges may even cost more.

If you would like to become certified in different specializations, this can cost anywhere from $350 per exam to $2,000 per exam.

Also, it may be beneficial to gain a Masters’s degree as well.

This can cost another $50,000 to $100,000.

Though it may not be the cheapest career to get into, it’s a very important one that needs educated people.

Q. What is the demand for cybercrime agents?

There is a high demand for cybercrime agents.

The world is becoming more and more digital every day.

We spend nearly half of our day, if not more, on the internet in some way.

In order to feel safe, many companies are employing cybercrime agents to ensure the security of their companies’ data.

This type of security will be on the rise as more and more companies take their products into the digital age.

Not only that, but many threats and attacks come from hacking and cybercrime these days.

That means that there will be an even larger demand for cybercrime agents in the future.

Q. How long does it take to become a cybercrime agent?

The time that it takes to become a cybercrime agent really depends on how much education you want to gain before you start working.

Most people go to college to get their Bachelors’s degree, and then begin work after an internship which can last around 6 months.

Other people may go back to get their Masters’s degree after getting work experience.

Typically, it can take from four years to upwards of ten years to gain all of the certifications and education you could gain from this field.

The more education and experience you have, the better job opportunities will be waiting for you.

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